SITIO celebrates $15M Philadelphia recreation center transformation

Jefferey Totoro photo credit

PHILADELPHIA, PA — SITIO architecture + urbanism joined Philadelphia officials, community members and project partners to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of the newly renovated Johnny Sample (Cobbs Creek) Recreation Center in West Philadelphia.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, Philadelphia City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier and Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton attended the ceremony marking completion of the $15 million project.

SITIO began work on the renovation in 2020 for Fairmount Park Conservancy and the City of Philadelphia’s Rebuild initiative. The project transformed the original 14,700 s/f building, which had limited windows and little connection to the adjacent Cobbs Creek Park.

The new renovation added a two-story expansion featuring a new gymnasium, boxing training room, multipurpose space and significantly more glass and natural light. Landscape improvements create stronger connections between the recreation center, park and Cobbs Creek Park Trail. The project is seeking LEED Silver certification.

“When we talk about investing in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods to improve the quality of life for our residents, this is what we mean,” Parker said. “A new boxing room, a refinished gym, 70 new trees and 1,700 native plants along the trail—this is a facility West Philadelphia can be proud of.”

Building improvements include a new entrance, reception area and lobby; restored public artwork; a new roof and HVAC system; upgraded lighting and furniture; accessible restrooms; a kitchenette; flexible meeting areas; and a refinished basketball gym with new windows, backboards and hoops.

Accessibility upgrades include new paths connecting the street and parking areas to the building and pool, a limited-use elevator, an accessible parking space and a pool lift.

Site improvements include 70 new trees, 1,700 native plants, site lighting, picnic tables, benches and security cameras.

A bronze bas-relief artwork titled “Dancing Children,” created by Henry Mitchell and originally commissioned in 1968, was restored through the City’s Percent for Art program. Previously located high on the building’s exterior, the artwork has been relocated to the entrance lobby, where it serves as a focal point.

“This project reimagines spaces that were once windowless and inward-facing, transforming them into light-filled rooms that open up to Cobbs Creek Park. The new design creates a stronger connection between the building and its natural surroundings, offering a more welcoming experience for visitors. At the same time, the building now presents itself more clearly to the neighborhood by reestablishing its presence as a community resource and gathering place,” said Andrew Ferrarelli, principal, SITIO architecture + urbanism.

The City’s Rebuild initiative, supported by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax, funded the renovation. Additional funding included $900,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Local Share Account program, $200,000 from the Knight Foundation and $300,000 in Improvements to Existing Facilities funding secured by Gauthier.

The project concludes a series of investments totaling more than $30 million along Cobbs Creek Parkway, including improvements to Cobbs Creek Playground, the Cobbs Creek Environmental Center and the Blanche A. Nixon Library.